Chalice Connection For December 10 2009

The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 1 No. 24

December 10, 2009

Don’t Lose Your Christmas Spirit by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister

I spoke with a member of our congregation last week and she told me that she lost her Christmas spirit one day. It was a frustrating day, dealing with the holiday pressures, the crowds, the traffic and rude people who are in a hurry. A woman stepped in front of her in a line and my friend, quite uncharacteristically, snapped at her. Immediately, she was embarrassed and looked around to see if anyone had witnessed this mishap. Fortunately, only the offending party heard her rant. It can be all-too-easy to lose your Christmas spirit at this time of year. Ironically, it is supposed to be the time of year to be happy, jolly and cheerful. Often it is not. Financial

pressure, crowds and high expectations can all conspire to make this a less than happy time. Let me offer some advice for those of us who find our Christmas spirit sliding away. First, focus on the things that give you new life. Things that help you to see God in our world. The joy of children. The excitement they have for this time of year. Here’s a helpful hint—if you need to, come and borrow my 2-year-old for a few hours. The wonder and joy that he sees all around him constantly reminds me of the blessings that I take for granted. Although I get frustrated, every decoration that he pulls off of our Christmas tree is a joy to him. Every Christmas carol that I have heard for the past forty years is new, fresh and exciting. The anticipation of Christmas gifts. The excitement of seeing Santa Claus—all

of it is a new wonder. Surround yourself with uplifting people. Some people do get crabby this time of year. Be around those people who recharge your batteries and help to give you new life. Take time out for solitude, reflection and prayer. If there is any time that we need to feel closer to God, it is now. Take intentional time out to prayerfully approach God and to hear what God says to you. You will feel and need God’s support this season. My friend said she got her spirit back. She went to the Mayor’s Lighting Service downtown and basked in the joy of the season. I was happy to know that she could reclaim the peace of Christ this season. My prayer is the same for you.

Christmas Cantata “Season of Wonders” Sunday, December 13 6:30 pm

The Chancel Choir, along with Peace Lutheran Church, invite you to celebrate the miracle of Christmas as they present the cantata “Season of Wonders” by Joseph M. Martin. When we ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, we discover in abundance the lavish character of God’s love. In the experience of this work, may you draw close to the manger and open your heart to the unexpected glories of this season of wonders. Enjoy the cantata and stay for a reception with our friends from Peace Lutheran afterwards. (Nursery available)

Candlelight Service of Remembrance Sunday, December 20 - 6:30pm For many this is a difficult season of the year, especially if you have lost a loved one. But there is hope in the midst of darkness. If you are hurting, we invite you to come light a candle of remembrance during this service designed to comfort you. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.

Children’s Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 5:30pm

The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, family-oriented worship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24 ~ 7 and 11pm

Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture readings, and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11pm service will feature a serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and scripture. The service ends in candlelight with the bells tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. (Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)

Combined Worship Sunday, December 27 Everyone is invited to dress Christmas-casual in slacks and sweaters, bring your friends and family, and join us for one Combined Worship Service at 10am on Sunday, December 27. Rev. Jerry Black will conclude our Lights of Christmas sermon series with his message “Our Response to the Light” based on Luke 2:15-20. Come at 8:30 for coffee and fellowship, followed by Sunday school for all ages at 9am.

Children - Come Hear “A Mouse in God’s House” during SPROUTS Children’s Worship on Sunday, December 13 First Christian Church celebrates the publishing of another fine children’s book by “our own,” Cherrie Steele! Children and their parents are invited to attend a reading of her new book: A Mouse in God’s House during Sprouts Children’s Worship this Sunday, December 13 during the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. "Pushing books off a desk, nibbling on cookie crumbs, and playing hide and seek are all in a day's work for Bartholomew the church mouse. Bartholomew wants to serve God, but just can't seem to get it right—or so he thinks. Adventures abound as Bartholomew learns that serving God may be just a blessing away, when a young girl discovers A Mouse in God's House.

Prayers of the People

Happy Birthday!

12/13 Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, Gary McGann, Colby Myrick 12/14 Martina Dowell, Abigail Kerr, Lucy Mecoy, Madison Murphy, Lisa Weaver OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Rose Marie McKee, 12/15 Maria Azary, Hayden Ball, Jerry Roger Cole, Ed Penland, Amber Jones, Eric Koegel, Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry Black, Christina Hansen, Scott Peters, Cronkite (Glenda Adams’ brother), Louise Weeden (Judy Bennett’s mom), Jim Roberts Marietta Stone (Jeri Dillon’s dad), Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ 12/16 Evan Beasley, Jim Burke, Brandy brother),Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother) King, Linda Matlock, Russell Patton, Laurie OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family and friends of Madge Goodrich who Simpson, Cody Ward passed away December 6. Services were held on Wednesday at FCC. 12/17 Craig Adkins, Lu Bratcher, Brittney Hendricks, Mary Ellen Shepherd, Carlita CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Evan Wade Foster, born December 3 to Walters J.B. & Amy Foster. Proud grandparents are Sally and Kevin Leonard. 12/18 AJ Berepele, Tyler Burleson, Jerri Dillon, Neal Hunt, Ted Perrin, Gwen Shaw, Tracey Smith 12/19 Chris Clark, Mark Shaw Church growth studies confirm that it takes just seven minutes, the time to move from the 12/20 Greg Cunningham, Allison Ernst, parking lot into the sanctuary, for guests to decide if they like what they see and want to return to participate with us in church life. Hard to believe, isn’t it? But, it’s true. So, what can Jeanne Larimore, Pat Warner OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ed Berry in Mercy; Judy Joy in Baptist

Seven Minutes

we do to encourage their return? Make a concentrated effort to— Be warm and welcoming (everyone likes to feel a sense of belonging) Be genuine (sincerely embrace and treat all participants as dear friends; as special gifts) Be knowledgeable (answer questions & share with guests what you love about our church) Be considerate (park in distant spaces so that both guests and those physically challenged won’t have far to walk, and don’t park in drop off zones)

Now Hiring

Seven minutes. Let’s make the most of these seven minutes!

Holiday Fun For College Students Hey college students! Going to be home for the holidays and looking for something to do? Then join us for a night out on the town. Tuesday, December 22 we are meeting at Chelino’s in Bricktown for dinner, and then heading over to Red Pin for some bowling. This will be a great time to catch up with your FCC buds! And here is the best part - it’s FREE! Just RSVP to Greg at [email protected] by Sunday, December 20 so we know how many to expect. Then meet us at Chelino’s on December 22 at 6:30pm How easy is that? Hope to see you there! Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries

Many In Need ~ Lots of Opportunities to Sponsor Families This Christmas Dear friends, Yesterday, when I left the Hope Center there were still 122 families that had not been adopted for Christmas. The very latest for sponsors to request to sponsor families is Friday, Dec. 18, but families were told that they should hear from their sponsors by the 14th of Dec. That is less than a week away. Last year, I put out a similar plea and from your response and the forwarding on of this email, Christmas was saved for the children of those families. I’m asking the same this year. Please consider contacting the Hope Center at 348-1340 to adopt a family. The website is www.hopecenterofedmond.com where you can find out more information about what is involved. It is so rewarding and involves very little for us but means so much to the children! Thanks for passing this on and hopefully, adopting a family. Merry Christmas! ~ Kay Mades

10 hrs/week (Primarily Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings) The Nursery Coordinator, while primarily responsible for arranging Sunday morning nursery care for children of infant and toddler ages, ultimately arranges care for children through age 10 during any church function. The Nursery Coordinator works closely with church Nursery Staff in training, creating monthly schedules, maintaining payroll records as well as paperwork on children and visiting families. The Nursery Coordinator is also responsible for greeting parents and children as well as creating age-appropriate activities for children. The Nursery Coordinator is under the direct supervision of the Children’s Minister and must have current CPR certification.

Interested applicants should send cover letter with resume to: [email protected] Application deadline: December 20, 2009

at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am

December 13 3rd Sunday of Advent “The Light of Joy” Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6

December 20 4th Sunday of Advent “The Light of Hope” Message: Rev. Chris Shorow ONE COMBINED Worship Service Sunday, December 27 at 10AM Sunday School for all ages at 9AM

The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] submit or read news online @ fccedmond.org/news

Operation Christmas Child Wrap Up By Michele Schlough First Christian’s first attempt at being a relay center for Operation Christmas Child was a huge success. We transported 1709 shoeboxes to the collection center in Oklahoma City. Each box contains approximately $15 to $18 worth of goodies for needy children around the world. We collected boxes from November 16 through 22, staying open from 10am to 6pm each day. Two hundred and thirty-four boxes were made earlier in the year through packing parties held here at FCC. Approximately 280 boxes were filled the night of the KLOVE packing party, on November 13. Many thanks to volunteers who came for an hour or for the whole week. Linda Dunlap, Linda Burrows, Cathy Justice, Glo Rehrig and Paul Gaines and of course Charles Scholough who supports me all year long. An extra special thanks to David Larrison who came every day, and made seven trips to the collection center with cartons of shoeboxes. Thanks also to FCC for a generous $500 check to Samaritan’s Purse for shipping the shoeboxes. If you would like to know more about Operation Christmas Child and would be willing to help next year please contact Michelle Schlough at 844-3214.

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